As quoted by the Press and Journal, Derek McInnes has admitted that his injury list is growing, rather than shrinking, ahead of today’s big game at Ibrox.
The Dons had major success in Glasgow last season, winning at Ibrox in the league and the Scottish Cup, as well as triumphing at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final.
However, they bring a depleted squad for this trip with up a host of first-teamers on the sidelines.
More injuries strike Aberdeen ahead of Rangers trip
“We don’t have any good news coming soon – we might have McKenna back next week potentially – but for one or two others it will be after the international break,” said McInnes, as quoted by the Press and Journal. “Wilson is out and McLennan is extremely doubtful so that’s another two added to the list.”
Wilson is out with a knee strain, while McLennan is carrying two dead legs. The players picked up their respective problems in the League Cup defeat to Hearts on Wednesday evening.
“We’ve got seven or eight out which means we’ll include younger ones. We’ll have a squad of 18 or 19 but we’ll be as you were the other night but without Wilson and possibly McLennan.”
The Press and Journal report names the other five Dons players definitely ruled out of the fixture as: Scott McKenna, Ash Taylor, Funso Ojo, Craig Bryson and Stephen Gleeson.
Verdict
There’s no doubt that all these injuries in the opposition camp make Rangers’ task that bit less difficult than it otherwise might have been.
Scott McKenna is probably the most influential player set to miss out. The Scotland international centre-back is a big defensive presence and scored the winner in the league win at Ibrox in December 2018.
Connor McLennan also had joy against the Gers last season, netting in the Scottish Cup replay win.
Yet, even with this long injury list, you can be sure that McInnes will still have his team well organised and ready to scrap.
Rangers have their own injury problems with Ryan Kent, Jordan Jones and Joe Aribo on the sidelines. Given the number of players brought in over the summer, though, they should have the resources to deal with it.
Here’s our Predicted XI for the game.
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